Chapter Text
"Uncle Gobber?" The young Viking boy pulled on the large man's shirt.
"What're you doing up at this hour? It's the middle of the night!" Gobber replied, ruffling Hiccup's hair.
"Is dad already gone again?" Hiccup asked sadly.
Gobber paused, realizing that Stoick had left a few hours ago now, just after Hiccup had drifted off to sleep. "Yeah. Sorry kiddo." Gobber replied solemnly as Hiccup walked over to the couch and sat down next to him.
"Does dad care about me? He leaves for months, and when he does come back, he ignores me and doesn't even say goodbye when he leaves again!" Hiccup ranted, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Of course your dad cares about you!" Gobber said, bringing Hiccup in for a hug. "He's just grieving. He loved your mother very much, so it's hard for him to let go even after these 4 years."
"Do you think he'll eventually come back and spend time with me?" Hiccup asked softly.
"Of course! As soon as he finds your mother he'll be back home, and he'll teach you all you need to know to be the next chief of Berk!" Gobber said, shaking Hiccup playfully.
But it seemed it didn't get rid of Hiccup's worry, "But what if he doesn't find her? What if she really is dead?"
"He'll find her." Gobber said, hugging Hiccup.
He has to.